Afternoon All

After seeing the work ChrisRS did on my car, and having read a little around this forum in recent weeks I'm now sufficiently curious to see how good of a job I can do on a unprepared car.

A few days off this week, and the chance to borrow my Mums car as mine is in for paint have aligned so I should be able to satisfy my curiosity and bag some brownie points in the bargain.

Think I've got the required routine set out, but will need to buy one or two more products (and need recommendations).

The proviso is that these products must also be beginner proof and suitable for my race blue octavia once the existing protection has gone. Car to be detailed is a 2010 Fiesta in the very light grey/blue colour, Paint does have a little swirling, but is hidden well by the colour. I should have maybe 7 hours start to finish and would like to have exterior done by this point, so products with long working/curing times might be out.

So my plan/questions are...

Prewash (have flash APC and spray bottle - what dilution?)

Snowfoam, 2BM wash and dry (ok with this bit)

Decontaminate (have 3/4 of a sample size iron and tar remover, is this likely to be sufficient/safe for paint?) Cant remember the brand but it is in the cyc sample section.

Clay (clay mitt & washbucket)

Polish - was thinking either a very light abrasive for a minor correction (or at least clean). To be worked by hand (recommendations)

Glaze - To try and fill in the swirls - EZ Creme ? or other

Sealant - Jetseal 109 worked really well for Chris on my car so tempted to stay with this but need to buy something.

Wax - not sure whether to bother with this or just use BSD. Depending on Keechy's experiment with a madcow/bsd mix may use this (and keep the car as a testbed)

thanks for any advice

Looks ok to me. Not sure I would use APC. If the purpose of it is to remove old protection then try Farecla G3 detox shampoo or a product from Autobrite called wax off. Do this after your foam & wash process.

A good filler heavy glaze like prima amigo is very good. Not sure if this will affect the jet seal though as this type of product is best applied to clean pain. The glaze will leave a gloss enhancer & filler behind.

Hand polishing is very hard work, but good results can be had with Gtechniq P1

Good luck

Bob

Looks ok to me. Not sure I would use APC. If the purpose of it is to remove old protection then try Farecla G3 detox shampoo or a product from Autobrite called wax off. Do this after your foam & wash process.

From what I have read I though the pre-foam APC was to help get rid of any heavy traffic film & bugs, is this not correct? It will have been on a good 4 hour drive down to near Cardiff before I get my hands on it so will be dirty. Also it is pretty unlikely to have any protection on the paint.

 

A good filler heavy glaze like prima amigo is very good. Not sure if this will affect the jet seal though as this type of product is best applied to clean pain. The glaze will leave a gloss enhancer & filler behind.

Again from reading rather than experience I believe that certain glazes can be used under a sealent, hopefully one of the experts can confirm.

 

Hand polishing is very hard work, but good results can be had with Gtechniq P1

Might need to canvas opinion as to weather a paint cleaner type product rather than a full on handpolish may be more appropriate

Good luck

Bob

thanks! - and thanks for the advice

Most glazes will be fine, I'm not saying don't use it. But sealants like to bond to clean paint, all it will mean is that the sealant perhaps won't last as long.

For removal of traffic film use something like ValetPro citrus wash at the correct dilution. I personally would not use an APC.

Afternoon AllAfter seeing the work ChrisRS did on my car, and having read a little around this forum in recent weeks I'm now sufficiently curious to see how good of a job I can do on a unprepared car.A few days off this week, and the chance to borrow my Mums car as mine is in for paint have aligned so I should be able to satisfy my curiosity and bag some brownie points in the bargain.Think I've got the required routine set out, but will need to buy one or two more products (and need recommendations).The proviso is that these products must also be beginner proof and suitable for my race blue octavia once the existing protection has gone. Car to be detailed is a 2010 Fiesta in the very light grey/blue colour, Paint does have a little swirling, but is hidden well by the colour. I should have maybe 7 hours start to finish and would like to have exterior done by this point, so products with long working/curing times might be out.So my plan/questions are...Prewash (have flash APC and spray bottle - what dilution?)Snowfoam, 2BM wash and dry (ok with this bit)Decontaminate (have 3/4 of a sample size iron and tar remover, is this likely to be sufficient/safe for paint?) Cant remember the brand but it is in the cyc sample section.Clay (clay mitt & washbucket)Polish - was thinking either a very light abrasive for a minor correction (or at least clean). To be worked by hand (recommendations)Glaze - To try and fill in the swirls - EZ Creme ? or otherSealant - Jetseal 109 worked really well for Chris on my car so tempted to stay with this but need to buy something.Wax - not sure whether to bother with this or just use BSD. Depending on Keechy's experiment with a madcow/bsd mix may use this (and keep the car as a testbed)thanks for any advice

I use a jetwash 1st, snow foam, then use a detox shampoo like farecla g5 with a squirt of apc in it. Then ironx & tardis or your equivalent next so you get as much crud off before claying as possible. I'd use a soapy concentrate of farecla g5 shampoo and water again as the lube for the clay mit. Removing the swirls by hand is possible, but hard work and it's possible you'll get mixed results because of an inconsistent technique. You'd be better IMO using just a cleaner like dodo juice lime prime light or ag high dev cleaner to clean the surface prior to using the sealant if youhave to do it by hand only. If you want to get rid of the swirls then a DA like the megs 220v with a yellow pad would be the way to go and use something like farecla paint restorer or dodo juice lime prime first both have which have light deminishing abrasives in them ( the farecla paint restorer is what Chris & I used on my Blackline with a DA each) to see if they were strong enough. If this didn't remove the swirls you could try something a bit stronger like soxax perfect finish profiline. With only 7 hrs available I don't think you'll be able to remove the swirls by hand in the time available. Good luck!

When is D-day for the Big detail..... looking forward to the update....

When is D-day for the Big detail..... looking forward to the update....

Back end of this week hopefully, havent actually had chance to finalise the shopping list yet due to work commitments. Hopefully it should it ordered tomorrow, to arrive in time Thursday to get it done Friday.

Are any of the suppliers cheaper/more reliable for next day delivery?

You should have that wheel cleaner this week Simon.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You should have that wheel cleaner this week Simon.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks, drop me a pm with details so I can reimburse you when you get chance.

I use a jetwash 1st, snow foam, then use a detox shampoo like farecla g5 with a squirt of apc in it. Then ironx & tardis or your equivalent next so you get as much crud off before claying as possible. I'd use a soapy concentrate of farecla g5 shampoo and water again as the lube for the clay mit. Removing the swirls by hand is possible, but hard work and it's possible you'll get mixed results because of an inconsistent technique. You'd be better IMO using just a cleaner like dodo juice lime prime light or ag high dev cleaner to clean the surface prior to using the sealant if youhave to do it by hand only. If you want to get rid of the swirls then a DA like the megs 220v with a yellow pad would be the way to go and use something like farecla paint restorer or dodo juice lime prime first both have which have light deminishing abrasives in them ( the farecla paint restorer is what Chris & I used on my Blackline with a DA each) to see if they were strong enough. If this didn't remove the swirls you could try something a bit stronger like soxax perfect finish profiline. With only 7 hrs available I don't think you'll be able to remove the swirls by hand in the time available. Good luck!

Thanks for the detailed reply. The detox type shampoo, is that still needed where the is no protection? Or will a normal wash and wax type product leave behind an undesired layer of protection?

Righto, mini update - good and bad(ish) news time.

 

Firstly my car isn't actually going in for paint this week as the sprayer actually talked me out of the work (spoiler will now be done by the Skoda appointed sprayer at the same time as corrosion warranty work).  This removes my excuse for borrowing the car in the first place, so will either have to get creative or honest.

 

Anywho, good news is the order is placed, one or two bits to pick up from halfords on the way past tomorrow but all good.

 

Planned process after the advice above   and from cleanyourcar is now...

 

ValetPro citrus wash if needed

Snowfoam

2 BM with G3, rinse, dry.

Trix iron & tar remover, rinse

wheel, door shuts

Clay mitt with more concentrated mix of G3 with a little flash apc, rinse, dry

Primo amigo (which should clean, fill and be ok under a sealant according to cleanyourcar)

Jetseal

QD if time

Interior & glass if time

Dress tyres & exterior trim

 

 

anything I have missed?  Still hope to do this friday so watch it p*$$ down

Righto, mini update - good and bad(ish) news time.

 

Firstly my car isn't actually going in for paint this week as the sprayer actually talked me out of the work (spoiler will now be done by the Skoda appointed sprayer at the same time as corrosion warranty work).  This removes my excuse for borrowing the car in the first place, so will either have to get creative or honest.

 

Anywho, good news is the order is placed, one or two bits to pick up from halfords on the way past tomorrow but all good.

 

Planned process after the advice above   and from cleanyourcar is now...

 

ValetPro citrus wash if needed

Snowfoam

2 BM with G3, rinse, dry.....G3 Clay Mitt after the IronX and Tar remover

Trix iron & tar remover, rinse

wheel, door shuts

Clay mitt with more concentrated mix of G3 with a little flash apc, rinse, dry

USE A POLISH before the Prima Amigo

Primo amigo (which should clean, fill and be ok under a sealant according to cleanyourcar)

Jetseal

QD if time

Interior & glass if time

Dress tyres & exterior trim

 

 

anything I have missed?  Still hope to do this friday so watch it p*$$ down

Hi Simon..

Made some comments above....

Its going to be hard work by hand BTW

Hi Simon..

Made some comments above....

ta Chris. didn't forget the clay mitt, just forgot to list it     . DID miss/forget/leave out the polish stage. From the conversations I had with cyc and AB I assumed it wasnt needed as the glaze would do some cleaning. Entirely possible that I have grabbed the wrong end of the stick though. Need to pop down to AB tomorrow so can pick one up, enhance or eliminator from their range?  May also pick up a more trim friendly glaze for the panels near to plastic trim as Im not the neatest.

 

Its going to be hard work by hand BTW

its only a small car, and im only 32  :strong:  All part of the learning process 

I did baulk at at the idea of buying a DA originally but would consider a 2nd hand one now.

If there arnt many swirls on the Fiesta, then you may get away with JUST the Glaze

I would always try removal rather than masking though

Try it..You can always do it again at a later date

Thanks for the detailed reply. The detox type shampoo, is that still needed where the is no protection? Or will a normal wash and wax type product leave behind an undesired layer of protection?

I would say yes-the idea is to get the paint as clean as possible before you apply your new sealer or wax as it will last longer and the detox shampoo will help do that as part of the prep stage. Personally I wouldn't use any wax and wash type combos when doing a normal wash. For that I use AG shampoo conditioner which won't degrade your wax/sealer, then apply sonax BSD after every other wash to help maintain the protection. Good luck doing by hand BTW.

Halfords had 3 for 2 on all cleaning stuff which might save you a bob or two as they sell the g3 claymit and detox shampoo if you need them.

If there arnt many swirls on the Fiesta, then you may get away with JUST the Glaze

I would always try removal rather than masking though

Try it..You can always do it again at a later date

 

hopefully it will look better than it does now either way, but yeah could be panic buying a DAS over the weekend 

I would say yes-the idea is to get the paint as clean as possible before you apply your new sealer or wax as it will last longer and the detox shampoo will help do that as part of the prep stage. Personally I wouldn't use any wax and wash type combos when doing a normal wash. For that I use AG shampoo conditioner which won't degrade your wax/sealer, then apply sonax BSD after every other wash to help maintain the protection. Good luck doing by hand BTW.

Halfords had 3 for 2 on all cleaning stuff which might save you a bob or two as they sell the g3 claymit and detox shampoo if you need them.

 

ta, already got the mitt, the 3 for 2 is currently  AG glass polish, g3 shampoo, TBC(suggestions of hidden gems @ halfords?)

I'm currently in 3 for 2 rehab so I darn't suggest anything in case I suffer a relapse.....

Mini update, rest of the gear arrived or was collected yesterday but....turned down the car this morning as it was tipping down, and now its glorious.  But at least not having the car to do has allowed a lie-in, errr no as the today is apparently the day that the builders start work next door.  Sense of humour being tested this morning 

Mini update, rest of the gear arrived or was collected yesterday but....turned down the car this morning as it was tipping down, and now its glorious.  But at least not having the car to do has allowed a lie-in, errr no as the today is apparently the day that the builders start work next door.  Sense of humour being tested this morning 

 

This is how it goes sometimes.... i'm sure it will be worth the wait to get the right conditions

to do a good job and not rush the detail mate. 

cheers bud, brew and a bacon butty later and im seeing the funny side.  Should be able to spend a bit of time on the octy today if nothing else.

Update time! Have been a busy boy over the weekend when the weather has allowed.
 
Saturday - Once the weather cleared enough decided to make a start of the fiesta.


Snowfoam, 2 Bucket Washed to farecla and dried.

 

 

Decontaminted with Trix from carpro (2 in 1 iron & tar).  Seemed to work ok on the iron, saw some coloured streaks running down the paintwork and did a decent job on the wheels.  Not sure whether the wind, over application, the iffy spray head or a mix of all 3 but I seemed to go through a lot of product, about half a bottle.  Not all of the tar was shifted, so out with the Autoglym tar remover to pick up the what remained.  Dont know whether the trix had softened the tar but the autoglym stuff seemed to really dissolve the tar fast with a little elbow grease.

 

Next onto the claying by mitt.  Mixed up a soapier solution with G3 again and a little flash to lube the process.  Surprisingly there didnt seem to be loads of work needed on some panels, I was actually doubting myself until I got to the roof and met a little more resistance.  Might point to the Trix doing the work but I havent really got the depth of experience either way.  Paint now felt nice and smooth, so did a last tar sweep, washed the tarred panel and rinsed and dried the whole car.  Decided there wasnt sufficient time and light to get anything more meaningful done so called it a day.

 

 

Sunday

 

Only had 90 minutes or so free before the football so left the fiesta and gave the octy a bath.

 

Gratuitous snowfoam shot

 

 

Few buckets later, a little BSD and looking clean again...

 

 

 

 

Using a sample bottle of FinishKare Topkote to give the tyres a lift, not the shiniest stuff in the world but a decent finish on tyres that arent the blackest to begin with.  Also used some of this on the interior, looks great on the smoother plastics, pretty good on leather and ok on the more textured platic (dash etc).  Gave the windows a clean with Autoglym glass polish.  Top notch product as recommended by a few herem really useful if you normally manage to miss a bit like i do.

 

Monday was a washout, so onto Tuesday.

 

Really quick sf & 2bm wash of the fiesta, dried and masked up.  Re-discovered how much I hate masking up anything  (must try and find a trim safe paint cleaner polish)

 

 

 

 

Worked liquid gold by Autobrite by hand and a german type applicator.  Wasnt expecting a cut due to the polish not carrying much abrasion and working without a DA.    Buffed off and on to Primo Amigo, a glaze with some filling capability (apparently).  On easily with a cheap foam applicator and off nice and easy too.

 

Removed the masking and applied the first coat of Jetseal 109.  Saw really good results with this on the Octy at ChrisRS' so thought id pick up a bottle.  Applied with another cheap foam pad.  On easy enough, as with the primo I was never 100% sure whether I was using too much or too little of the product.  Left the jetseal to haze for 20 mins or so, and used autoglym glass polish on the interior glass.

 

 

And then buffed off.  Cant remember how the buffing process compared to at Chris' but it seemed like a fair bit of work compared to removing the two other products.  Enforced 40 minute or so break to take care of a few things and applied a second layer to ensure coverage.  I probably wasn't but almost felt I was being too frugal with the product on the first pass.  Took the time to sort out shuts, sills and the boot lip while the second coat went off.

 

 

Buffed off the second coat, again domestics got in the way so left a slightly longer curing? time.  Harder work again, though maybe the buffing towel was getting full so switched to a cheap mf cloth to finish and the rest went ok.  Have a suspicion I may have over applied second time around.

 

Finished (Ish) results...

 

 

 

 

 

Still on the the list..

 

An application or two of tyrekote on the plastics, a layer or two of BSD or project 32 from AB & some more work on the alloys (different thread to follow) and didnt waste product on the tyres as they'll be skipped in the next week.

 

All in all happy enough with the results working by hand but critique welcomed.  A DA may just be on the list for next time, though splitting the claying onto a different day by accident rather than design helped.  Probably spent somewhere in the region of 8-10 hours, maybe a little more over the two days, with a little time wasted for the extra wash today.

 

Need to check the car under streetlight to see how much of a filling job the amigo has done, and the rest of the interior still needs work but me mam can sort that herself. 

 

 

 

 

Cracking job. Very thorough.

Told you the weather would be ok on Tuesday

Just one observation:

I don't think you need to leave the Jetseal on for so long

Also...... anything less than an hour for a second coat runs the risk of rubbing off the previous coat.

However..well done on the Fiesta Simon

Cracking Job Simon and nice write-up too! 

Told you the weather would be ok on Tuesday

you did indeed, thats a win for bbc weather over accuweather then!

Just one observation:

I don't think you need to leave the Jetseal on for so long

Im sure it said 20 minutes drying time on the bottle? is there a test that you can do to see if a product is ready to come off?

Also...... anything less than an hour for a second coat runs the risk of rubbing off the previous coat.

However..well done on the Fiesta Simon

I only put the second coat on to make sure I hadnt missed a bit. The time between applications was enforced as I had to pick up my mum from work as I had her car. It may actually have been an hour in any case panel to panel. Worth another layer (of JS or something else) at some point?